Requisite for application of a cosmetic product, applicator assembly, production method and associated application method

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a kit ( 10 ) for application of a cosmetic product comprising:
         a heating device ( 14 ) comprising a heating end ( 26 ),   an applicator ( 18 ) able to be mounted removably on the heating end ( 26 ), with the applicator being able to be heated by the heating end ( 26 ).       

     The applicator ( 18 ) comprises a rod ( 72 ) intended to be placed in contact with the heating end ( 26 ) and an end tip ( 74 ) covered with a layer ( 76 ) of a solid cosmetic product, with the layer ( 76 ) of cosmetic product entirely covering the tip ( 74 ) over at least a portion of the length of the tip ( 74 ) taken from a free end ( 78 ) of the tip ( 74 ), with the layer ( 76 ) of cosmetic product being able to be applied over a body surface by heating the tip ( 74 ) through the rod ( 72 ).

This invention relates to a kit for application of a cosmetic product comprising:

-   -   a heating device comprising a heating end, and     -   an applicator able to be mounted removably on the heating end,         the applicator being able to be heated by the heating end.

This kit is intended to be used to apply a cosmetic product on the body parts of a user, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the lips, the skin or the nails of a user.

The cosmetic product is a solid product at ambient temperature.

The cosmetic product is, for example, a mascara, a lipstick, an eyeliner, a depilatory wax or another makeup or care product for the skin or nails.

More generally, a “cosmetic product” is a product as defined in EC Regulation N° 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of Nov. 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

EP 2 298 115 discloses an cosmetic product applicator comprising an application unit in which is arranged a mass of cosmetic product in solid state. The application unit comprises a comb whereon has been injected the mass of solid cosmetic product.

However, such an application unit can be simplified further in such a way as to allow a more practical application of cosmetic product for the user and a simplified manufacturing of the application unit.

A purpose of the invention is to obtain a kit for application of a cosmetic product that is simple to use, while still being simple to manufacture.

To this effect, the invention has for object a kit for application of the aforementioned type, in which the applicator has a rod intended to be placed in contact with the heating end and an end tip covered with a layer of a solid cosmetic product, with the layer of cosmetic product entirely covering the tip over at least a portion of the length of the tip taken from a free end of the tip, with the layer of cosmetic product being able to be applied over a body surface by heating of the tip through the rod.

The kit for application according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any combination that is technically possible:

-   -   the rod is made from a thermally-conductive material,     -   the applicator is able to be connected to the heating end by         slide connection, magnetism and/or snap-fitting,     -   the heating end comprises a sleeve defining a housing for         receiving the applicator, the rod being mounted removably         between a position away from the housing and a position         introduced into the housing,     -   the housing is defined axially by a heating bottom surface, an         axial surface of the rod able to come into contact with the         heating bottom surface in the position introduced into the         housing,     -   the heating end is able to be placed in contact with a lateral         inner surface of the rod in the introduced position,     -   the layer of cosmetic product covering one of the ends of the         applicator is obtained by soaking the end tip of the applicator         in a cosmetic product,     -   the cosmetic product is not applicable without heating, and     -   the tip is full.

The invention also has for object a set of cosmetic product applicators comprising a plurality of applicators, each applicator comprising a rod intended to be placed in contact with the heating end of a heating device and an end tip covered a layer of solid cosmetic product, the layer of cosmetic product entirely covering the tip over at least a portion of the length of the tip taken from a free end of the tip, the layer of cosmetic product being able to be applied over a body surface by heating of the tip through the rod.

The set of cosmetic product applicators according to the invention may have the following feature: a first applicator having an end tip covered with a first cosmetic product and at least one second applicator having an end tip covered with a second cosmetic product different from the first cosmetic product.

The invention also has for object a method for producing a set of cosmetic product applicators including the following steps:

-   -   supplying of a plurality of unfilled applicators each comprising         a rod and a tip arranged at the end of the rod,     -   soaking of the tip in a cosmetic product, and     -   forming of a solid layer of cosmetic product entirely covering         the tip over at least a portion of the length of the tip taken         from a free end of the tip.

The production method according to the invention may have the following feature: the cosmetic product is deposited in melted state on the rod during the step of soaking, the step of forming the layer comprising the cooling of the cosmetic product in order to solidify it.

The invention also has for object a method for applying a cosmetic product including the following steps:

-   -   supplying of a kit of the aforementioned type, with the cosmetic         product being not applicable without heating,     -   putting into contact of the rod of the applicator with the         heating end,     -   activating of the heating device and heating of the heating end         of the heating device,     -   transmitting of the heat through the rod to the end tip, and     -   applying of the layer of cosmetic product on a body surface.

The invention will be easier to understand in view of the following description, provided solely as an example, and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows the side view of a kit for application according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the kit comprising a rod and a housing, with the rod being in a configuration introduced into the housing,

FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows the kit for application of FIG. 1, with the rod in a configuration arranged away from the housing,

FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows a cross-section view according to an axial mid-plane of the portion of the kit for application of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows a set of cosmetic product applicators,

FIG. 5 diagrammatically shows the method of soaking a tip of an applicator of FIG. 1 in a cosmetic product, and

FIG. 6 diagrammatically shows a cross-section view according to an axial mid-plane of an alternative of a portion of the kit for application of FIG. 1.

A kit 10 for application of a cosmetic product is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The cosmetic product applicable by the kit 10 is, for example, a mascara, a lipstick, an eyeliner, a depilatory wax or another makeup or care product for the skin or nails.

More particularly, the cosmetic product is a form that cannot be applied cold.

The kit 10 comprises a heating device 14 and an applicator 18 able to be mounted in a removable manner on the heating device 14.

The heating device 14 is able to produce heat.

The heating device 14 comprises a base 22 and a heating end 26.

The base 22 extends along a longitudinal axis A-A′. The base 22 defines a gripping portion 28, here in the form of a sleeve, that can house various elements.

The base 22 comprises for example two half-shells assembled together and made of plastic.

The base 22 comprises a heating member 32, an on/off button 36 used to trigger the operation and the power supply of the heating member 32 and advantageously, an operating light 40. The base 22 further comprises a control circuit of the heating member 32, a temperature sensor connected to the control circuit and an access trapdoor for possibly replacing a portion of the heating member 32.

The heating device 32 is intended to produce heat.

The gripping portion 28 extends, for example, around the heating member 32.

The heating member 32 comprises a source of electrical power 44, for example a battery, and a resistive element 46.

The source of electrical power 44 comprises for example at least one accumulator or a battery.

The resistive element 46 is, for example, a resistive electric conductor, wound or in the form of a track. For example, the resistive element 46 is an electrical resistance.

The resistive element 46 is connected to the source of electrical power 44. As such, the electrical energy produced by the source of electrical power 44 is able to be converted into heat by the resistive element 46.

The on/off button 36 makes it possible to trigger the operation of the heating member 32, and in particular to connect it to the source of electrical power 44. As such, the resistive element 46 is able to be electrically powered by the source of electrical power 44.

The operating light 40 is, for example, an indicating light. Such an indicating light is, for example, a light-emitting diode.

The control circuit (not shown in the figures) is connected to the resistive element 46. The control circuit is able to control the resistive element 46. The control circuit comprises, in particular, one or several electronic components that make it possible to regulate the temperature of the resistive element 46. The control circuit comprises, for example, a microcontroller.

The temperature sensor (not visible in the figures) is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the resistive element 46. The temperature sensor is connected to the control circuit. The temperature sensor is able to measure the temperature of the resistive element 46.

The access trapdoor is provided for the removal or the replacing of the source of electrical power 44 of the heating member 32, when the latter is removable.

The heating end 26 is able to receive the applicator 18 and to transmit the heat produced by the resistive element 46 to the applicator 18.

The heating end 26 extends in the extension of the base 22 along the longitudinal axis A-A′. The heating end 26 is connected to the resistive element 46 in particular.

The heating end 26 is, for example, glued or welded to the base 22. Alternatively, the heating end 26 is integral with the base 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heating end 26 comprises an external sheath 50 and an internal portion 54.

The external sheath 50 is, for example, formed from a heat-resistance material that is electrically insulating. For example, the external sheath 50 is made of polymer such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

The internal portion 54 is arranged inside the external sheath 50.

The internal portion 54 comprises a sleeve 58 wherein is introduced an internal member 60.

The sleeve 58 is made from a thermally-conductive material, for example, of metal such as aluminum, brass, silver or stainless steel.

The sleeve 58 is an intermediate part that allows for the mechanical coupling and the thermal contact between the internal member 60 and the applicator 18. The internal member 60 is at least partially introduced into the sleeve 58. The portion of the sleeve 58 that does not contain the internal member 60, defines, as such, a housing 64 for receiving a portion of the applicator 18.

The internal member 60 has the shape of a rod extending along the longitudinal axis A-A′.

The internal member 60 is made from a thermally-conductive material, for example, of metal such as aluminum, brass, silver or stainless steel.

The internal member 60 is connected to the resistive element 46 in the base 22.

The internal member 60 is introduced into the sleeve 58 and maintained in the housing 64 thanks to the sleeve 58. The longitudinal portions of the internal member 60 that are not in contact with the sleeve 58 are in contact with the external sheath 50.

The internal member 60 axially defines the housing 64 towards the base 22. Indeed, the internal member 60 comprises a heating bottom surface 68 able to be put into contact with the applicator 18. As such, the housing 64 is defined by the sleeve 58 and by the heating bottom surface 58.

The applicator 18 is intended to be heated by the heating device 14 and, in particular, by the heating end 26.

The applicator 18 is able to be mounted removably on the heating end 26 of the heating device 14. In particular, the applicator 18 is able to be connected to the heating end 26 by a slide connection, magnetism and/or snap-fitting.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the applicator 18 comprises a rod 72 and an end tip 74 covered with a layer 76 of solid cosmetic product.

The rod 72 is intended to be placed in contact with the heating end 26.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rod 72 is able to be introduced inside the housing 64 defined by the sleeve 58 in such a way that the end surface of the rod 72, opposite the end tip 74, is in contact with the heating bottom surface 68 of the internal member 60. The end surface is an axial surface of the rod 72.

The rod 72 is in particular mounted removably between a position away from the housing 64 and a position introduced into the housing 64. The position of the rod 72 introduced into the housing 64 can be seen in the FIGS. 1 and 3. A position of the rod 72 away from the housing 64 can be seen in FIG. 2.

The rod 72 has a length according to the longitudinal direction A-A′ between 10 millimeters (mm) and 70 mm.

The diameter of the rod 72 is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

The rod 72 is made from a thermally-conductive material. The rod 72 is for example, made of metal such as aluminum, brass, silver or stainless steel.

The thermal conductivity of the rod 72, measured by a laser of the flash laser type is, for example, greater than 20 Watts per millikelvin (W/mK).

In this first embodiment, the rod 72 is full, i.e. the inside of the rod 72 is not hollow.

The end tip 74 is formed from a single part with the rod 72 and is preferably made of the same material as the rod 72.

The end tip 74 has a rounded shape. The end tip 74 extends in the longitudinal direction A-A′ over a length between 1 mm and 20 mm.

A portion or all of the end tip 74 is covered with the layer 76 of cosmetic product.

The end tip 74 has a free end 78. The end tip 74 is, in particular, covered with the layer 76 of cosmetic product over at least a portion of the length of the end tip 74 taken from the free end 78 of the tip 74. The free end 78 of the tip 74 is therefore partially or totally covered with cosmetic product.

Like the rod 72, the end tip 74 is solid, i.e. the inside of the end tip 74 is not hollow.

The outer surface of the tip 74 covered with the layer of cosmetic product is convex.

The layer 76 of cosmetic product is intended to be applied on a body surface of a user by heating the tip 74 through the rod 72.

The layer 76 of cosmetic product is obtained by soaking the end of the applicator 18, i.e. the end tip 74, in a fluid cosmetic product.

The layer 76 of cosmetic product cannot be restored without heating. At ambient temperature, the layer 76 of cosmetic product is a solid layer.

Advantageously the layer 76 of cosmetic product is continuous.

The layer 76 of cosmetic product protrudes from the end tip 74 and covers an outer surface of the end tip 74.

The thickness of the layer 76 of cosmetic product is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

The invention also relates to a set 86 of cosmetic product applicators able to be heated by a heating device such as the heating device 14 described previously.

The set 86 of applicators is illustrated in FIG. 4.

The set 86 of applicators comprises a plurality of applicators 18. Each applicator 18 comprises the same characteristics as the applicator 18 described hereinabove. In particular, each applicator 18 comprises a rod 72 and an end tip 74 covered with a layer 76 of solid cosmetic product. As described hereinabove, the rod 72 of each applicator is intended to be placed in contact with the heating end 26 of the heating device 14. Each layer 76 of cosmetic product entirely covers the end tip 74 of an applicator 18 over at least one portion of the length of the tip 74 taken from the free end 78 of the tip 74.

The layer 76 of cosmetic product that covers the end tip 74 of the applicator 18 can be different according to the applicators 18, according to the composition of the cosmetic product of the layer 76.

In particular, the set 86 of applicators comprises at least a first applicator 18 having an end tip 74 covered with a layer 76 of a first cosmetic product and at least one second applicator 18 having an end tip 74 covered with a layer 76 of a second cosmetic product separate from the first cosmetic product. For example, the first cosmetic product is depilatory wax and the second cosmetic product is mascara.

The set 86 of applicators forms a set of refills. Such a set 86 is intended to be marketed with the kit 10 for application in order to replace the applicator 18 of the kit 10.

The manufacturing of the set 86 of applicators will now be described, in reference to FIG. 5.

The production method comprises, initially, the supplying of a plurality of applicators 18 described hereinabove. The applicators 18 are not filled i.e. the end tip 74 of each one of these applicators 18 is devoid of a layer 76 of cosmetic product.

The production method then comprises the soaking of the end tip 74 of the applicator 18 in a cosmetic product in liquid form. During the soaking, the cosmetic product is deposited on the tip 74 and entirely covers the tip 74 over at least a portion of the length of the tip 74 taken from the free end 78 of the tip 74.

Then, the end tip 74 is removed from the cosmetic product. The cosmetic product is then present in melted state on at least a portion of the end tip 74.

The production method comprises, then, the formation of a solid layer 76 of cosmetic product that entirely covers the tip 74 over a portion of the length of the tip 74 taken from the free end 78 of the tip 74. The solid layer 76 is, for example, obtained by cooling the end tip 74 and the cosmetic product covering at least a portion of the end tip 74 at ambient temperature. The cosmetic product present on the end tip 74 solidified to form the layer 76 of cosmetic product.

As described hereinabove, the layer 76 continuously covers a given length of the end tip 74 from its free end 78.

A method for applying cosmetic product using the kit 10 will now be described.

The application method initially comprises the supplying of a kit 10 such as described hereinabove. The layer 76 of cosmetic product covering the end tip 74 of the applicator 18 is solid and cannot be returned without heating.

The application method comprises, then, the introduction of the end of the rod 72, located opposite the tip 74, inside the housing 64 defined by the sleeve 58 until the end surface of the rod 72 is placed into contact with the heating bottom surface 68. The rod 72 is maintained in contact with the heating bottom surface 68 by a slide connection, magnetism and/or snap-fitting.

The application method comprises, then, the activating of the heating device 14 by means of the on/off button 36 and the heating of the heating end 26, in particular of the internal member 60.

The heat of the internal member 60 is transmitted to the rod 72 of the applicator 18 to the end tip 74 of the applicator 18.

The layer 76 of cosmetic product that covers the end tip 74 then passes from a solid state to a melted state.

The application method of the cosmetic product comprises finally the application of the melted cosmetic product on a body surface of the user. For example, wax is applied on the lips of the user.

As such, the kit 10 is simple to use since the applicator 18 is easy to introduce into the housing 64 of the heating device 14.

Furthermore, the production method is easy to implement since the layer 76 of cosmetic product is applied on the end tip 74 by soaking. It is conceived that such a method of soaking makes it possible to decrease the production time and therefore substantially increase the rate of production with respect to a method for injecting cosmetic product.

The kit 10 allows for the application of formulas, such as galenic forms, that cannot be applied cold on the body parts of the user.

The heating device 14 has the advantage of being reusable since the applicator 18 can be sold in the form of a refill, as illustrates the set 86 of applicators.

The kit 10 adapts to the needs of the user since the end tips 74 can be covered with layers 76 of cosmetic product that have different compositions.

In a second embodiment of the kit 10 according to the invention, shown in FIG. 6, the elements that are identical to the kit 10 of the first embodiment of the invention are not described again. Only the differences are demonstrated.

In this second embodiment, the sleeve 58 is intended to be placed in contact with a lateral inner surface of the rod 72, when the rod 72 is in the position introduced into the housing 64.

The rod 72 is hollow over an entire portion of its length along the longitudinal direction A-A′. In particular, the rod 72 is hollow over a length between 1 mm and 20 mm.

The sleeve 58 is filly introduced into the inside of the rod 72. The internal member 60 is introduced into the sleeve 58.

In this second embodiment, the sleeve 58 transmits the heat directly to the inner surface of the rod 72. 

1. A kit for application of a cosmetic product comprising: a heating device comprising a heating end, an applicator able to be mounted removably on the heating end, the applicator being able to be heated by the heating end, wherein the applicator has a rod intended to be placed in contact with the heating end and an end tip covered with a layer of a solid cosmetic product, with the layer of cosmetic product entirely covering the tip over at least a portion of the length of the tip taken from a free end of the tip, the layer of cosmetic product being able to be applied over a body surface by heating the tip through the rod, the rod being made from a thermally-conductive material.
 2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is able to be connected to the heating end by slide connection, magnetism and/or snap-fitting,
 3. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the heating end comprises a sleeve defining a housing for receiving the applicator, the rod being mounted removably between a position away from the housing and a position introduced into the housing.
 4. The kit according to claim 3, wherein the housing is defined axially by a heating bottom surface, an axial surface of the rod being able to come into contact with the heating bottom surface in the position introduced into the housing.
 5. The kit according to claim 3, wherein the heating end is able to be placed in contact with a lateral inner surface of the rod in the introduced position.
 6. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the layer of cosmetic product covering one of the ends of the applicator is obtained by soaking the end tip of the applicator in a cosmetic product.
 7. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic product is not applicable without heating.
 8. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the tip is full.
 9. A set of applicators of cosmetic product able to be heated by a heating device, wherein it comprises a plurality of applicators, each applicator having a rod intended to be placed in contact with a heating end of a heating device and an end tip covered with a layer of a solid cosmetic product, the layer of cosmetic product entirely covering the tip over at least a portion of the length of the tip taken from a free end of the tip, the layer of cosmetic product being able to be applied over a body surface by heating the tip through the rod, the rod being made from a thermally-conductive material.
 10. The set according to claim 9, comprising a first applicator having an end tip covered with a first cosmetic product and at least one second applicator having an end tip covered with a second cosmetic product different from the first cosmetic product.
 11. A method for manufacturing a set of applicators of cosmetic product according to claim 9, comprising the following steps: supplying of a plurality of unfilled applicators each comprising a rod and a tip arranged at the end of the rod, soaking of the tip in a cosmetic product, and forming of a solid layer of cosmetic product entirely covering the tip over at least a portion of the length of the tip taken from a free end of the tip.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the cosmetic product is deposited in melted state on the rod during the step of soaking, the step of forming the layer comprising the cooling of the cosmetic product in order to solidify it.
 13. A method of applying a cosmetic product including the following steps: supplying of a kit according to claim 1, the cosmetic product being not applicable without heating, putting into contact of the rod of the applicator with the heating end, activating of the heating device and heating of the heating end of the heating device, transmitting of the heat through the rod to the end tip, and applying of the layer of cosmetic product on a body surface.
 14. The kit according to claim 2, wherein the heating end comprises a sleeve defining a housing for receiving the applicator, the rod being mounted removably between a position away from the housing and a position introduced into the housing.
 15. The kit according to claim 2, wherein the layer of cosmetic product covering one of the ends of the applicator is obtained by soaking the end tip of the applicator in a cosmetic product.
 16. The kit according to claim 3, wherein the layer of cosmetic product covering one of the ends of the applicator is obtained by soaking the end tip of the applicator in a cosmetic product.
 17. The kit according to claim 4, wherein the layer of cosmetic product covering one of the ends of the applicator is obtained by soaking the end tip of the applicator in a cosmetic product.
 18. The kit according to claim 5, wherein the layer of cosmetic product covering one of the ends of the applicator is obtained by soaking the end tip of the applicator in a cosmetic product.
 19. The kit according to claim 2, wherein the cosmetic product is not applicable without heating.
 20. The kit according to claim 3, wherein the cosmetic product is not applicable without heating. 